Ryan Lamb is ready to climb from his sick bed to solve Gloucester's scrum-half issues if needed tomorrow.

But he is desperate to avoid being pigeonholed as a No 9 in the long run, even if he does figure at scrum-half when Sale visit Kingsholm.

The fly-half came off the bench as a scrum-half replacement for the final 30 minutes of Gloucester's 23-21 win over London Irish last month after Rory Lawson was withdrawn and Dave Lewis injured.

But while the 22-year-old is keen to help out his side in any way he can, he is also desperate to concentrate on improving as a fly-half.

"It's no secret we are short of 9s at the moment, and I would be more than happy to fill in for a bit if required," said Lamb, who missed training yesterday with illness.

"Maybe I am the logical choice if Rory Lawson goes down this weekend or is called up by Scotland. And, to be honest, I am fine with it.

"I really don't mind playing 9, although obviously I prefer 10 and I want to be seen as a 10. But if the team is struggling for a 9, then I will be more than happy to fill in."

Lamb's previous experience of playing regularly at scrum-half came in similar circumstances.

Part of an England Under-19 squad brimming with fly-half talent – the other options were Danny Cipriani and Shane Geraghty – but lacking an obvious No 9, Lamb spent an entire Six Nations and World Cup campaign in the role.

"I never really played scrum-half at school or anything – the first time I played there was for England Under-19s," he said.

"We had a lot of good 10s, but didn't really have a 9 in the age group. I think they looked at myself, Danny and Shane and I thought I was best suited to the role – and I felt quite comfortable playing there.

"It is always good to have another string to your bow, but I really do want to be seen as a 10 in the long run. If I get to play at 9 again, though, it will be very exciting.

"When I came on against Irish, I was the most nervous I had ever been for a Premiership game.

"But I don't want everyone thinking that because I had half an hour there and did OK that I am now a seasoned scrum-half!"

Lamb's chances of a lengthy run in the No 10 shirt at Kingsholm are under threat following last week's arrival of the 35-cap former All Black Carlos Spencer.

But he is relishing the competition with the 33-year-old, who joined Gloucester from Northampton.

"I have to see Carlos' arrival as a positive, not a negative," said Lamb. "I used to love watching him when I was younger and it's probably a good thing for me that he is here.

"I am not going to try to be Carlos Spencer, because he has got his attributes and I have got mine.

"But I am sure him being here will help keep me on my toes."